twins Archives - With Some Grace

Wordless Wednesday – Introducing Henry and Rex

March 18, 2015 By: mamagrace719 Comments

Since starting part-time work that takes me out on the road to all corners of Sydney, making sure I beat the school zones and traffic to make it in time for daycare pick up has been tricky.

Carefully calculating where my last appointment is and leaving in ample time has – at times – proven to be futile.

I’ve been caught in the car park that be Gore Hill Free way or squashed in a game of sardine traffic jams on Pacific Highway.

Sydney, I love you but damn your terrible, head beating dashboard traffic.

Luckily, I can count on Mr Surfer to swoop in and walk down to pick the boys up.

For the most part, I’m there. On time.

Walking into the hall and there always seems to be a special moment waiting for me to cherish.

The stress of the road suddenly vanishes.

Introducing my Henry the Octopus and Rex the Dino…

Rex: Check out my tail, Mama!

Henry: Check out mine! Oh, I don’t have one…

Have you ever been late for daycare pick up? What’s your Plan B? How’s the traffic in your city?

It’s been forever but finally getting the chance to join Trish at My Little Drummer Boys for

Wordless Wednesday!

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The Year of Getting School Ready

February 4, 2015 By: mamagrace7111 Comments

This #ASGLittleLearner review was written in collaboration with Kids Business and ASG. All opinions are solely mine. No monetary payment was exchanged.

Despite the twin ions turning five this year, we made the call much earlier on that we would hold them back a year from starting “big school”.

While they’ve had to say goodbye to some classmates who have gone ahead to the school around the corner, my boys are now the oldest (perhaps, bossiest?) in their Bears class.

I’ve had some mixed reactions from people when I tell them that my boys have stayed on in daycare. Some completely understand, others are busting to tell me what they really think but have been polite enough not to say so.

Although it seems everyone has an opinion on the topic of school readiness, not everyone has a set of identical twin boys.

Regardless, I have never regretted my decision.

Already we’re seeing huge developments. Where my introverted, daydreamer Nunu got a Superstar award earlier last month, K-Bear soon followed in getting his just last Friday.

No doubt, “Big School” will carry with it many complex emotions and circumstances.

The playground can be a vast, scary and intimidating place for a five year old, not to mention the competitive nature of the classroom.

Making friends, finding confidence, being organised – all important foundations for a young school starter but how does a parent begin those discussions?

To help both you and your preschooler in getting school ready, ASG is focused on supporting children’s education – it’s all they do. They’re typically known for their education funds, however this pack is an example of the educational resources they provide.

The fantastic pack includes:

The Cat in the Hat DVD, containing four episodes from one of Dr Seuss’ most popular characters
Five hardcover children’s books from highly regarded education consultant, Michael E Bernard, featuring stories on how to get along, confidence, resilience, being organised and persistence
Membership to MY ASG, an ever-expanding source of articles and resources from parenting experts
Discounted access to Parentingideas Club, an online parenting centre founded by Michael Grose – one of Australia’s leading parenting experts
Discounts on all CD’s and DVD’s distributed by Marcom Projects, ASG’s multimedia educational products division
Discounted health insurance with mediGUARD Heallth Cover, provided by Australian Unity

In reviewing ASG’s Little Learner Pack, K-Bear has became engrossed with the books. His favourite is “Before The School Bell”, which covers the topic of being organised. Something his Mama could also learn a thing or two.

Nunu loves The Cat In The Hat DVD and if allowed would undoubtedly watch it on loop!

Offering more than $180 of value for only $49.95 is a fun and educational gift for children under six years of age.

Like my decision in holding the twinions back a year, I don’t regret introducing them to these great books and DVD.

I won’t be surprised if we read them every night right up until that imminent day when they’ll walk through the big school gates for the first time.

What are your tips to get little ones school ready? Did you hold your kids back a year? Or planning to?

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Playing Dirty {Omo and Jif Giveaway}

January 15, 2015 By: mamagrace7122 Comments

***This post was written in collaboration with Kids Business Communications and Unilever. No monetary payment was exchanged and all opinions are 100% my own.***

This summer, Mr Surfer has taken it on himself to give our garage a massive overhaul, transforming it into a man cave.

Neatly tucked away is the work bench, accompanied by tools and saws. Most importantly, there is now abundant space.

A sacred shrine for the men in my life to make as much mess as they want.

Last Sunday’s rainy weather proved to be the perfect opportunity to test this makeshift haven of hardware.

Rather than have the twinions stay home, climbing walls from sheer boredom we set the first project:

Making wooden planes. Playing Dirty 2

Then, came the fun part – painting them!

You know how it goes with little children. They’ll happily paint what they’re supposed to. For five minutes.

Then, they find more interesting stuff. Like facial and body parts…

I didn’t care. The exercise took up at least a couple of hours.

Give me happy, filth to their ears children over bored, screaming, whiny ones any day.

All the while, I took LOTS of deep breaths and tried to let go of my controlling compulsive tendencies.

Call it cheap therapy.

The fun was finally over. Not a lick of paint left.

I promptly stripped and dumped them in the bath.

Perhaps it was risky to let the twinions have such free reigns and access to mess.

But the entire experience was not in vain.

Firstly, playing dirty doesn’t have to be stressful. Now that we have the designated space, I no longer hyperventilate when it turns disastrous.

I also wanted to see if well known, trusted brands like Omo and Jif could also handle the aftermath.

To be completely honest (and there’s no reason to be anything but) neither product was completely effective.

Granted, I put them to the extreme test with grotty, stubborn paint.

Still, I was slightly disappointed with the results.

While the Omo Ultimate guarantees to actively lift stains that have been left to dry up to 48 hours, it wasn’t entirely the case with on of the twinions’ t-shirts.

Playing Dirty 5 It took a couple of washes and a 30 minute soak in hot water to get rid most of the paint.

Next was to see how well the Jif Easy Lift Bathroom spray could clean the paint off the bathroom tiles.

Again, it wasn’t a completely satisfying outcome.

After many generous applications and vigorous scrubbing, it didn’t quite finish the job leaving some paint stains between the tiles.

I have often used other Omo and Jif products without any issues. Give me the traditional Jif cleaning cream any day.

Playing dirty is a part of life.

My children are learning creative and sensory skills from making a mess.

I’m learning to cope with them.

For one reader, there’s a giveaway that includes:

1 x Omo Ultimate 1L ($12.99)
1 x Jif Easy Lift Bathroom 750 ml ($6.49)

All you have to do is:

Subscribe to With Some Grace by Email

Leave a comment on this post and tell me: What’s the biggest mess your kid/s have created?

Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway is only open to Australian residents
Closing date for entries is 10pm AEST Thursday, 22nd of January.
The winner will be contact via email on the following Friday.
If the winner does not reply to my email within 24 hours, another winner will be chosen.
Entries will be judged on merit and decision of the winner will be final.

Update 30/01:

In response to my concern regarding difficulties in getting rid of paint stains when using OMO, below is a statement from Unilever:

Unfortunately Paint is not something Unilever formulate the product for.
However, essentially OMO is great on common stains like:
Tomato sauce
BBQ Sauce
Orange juice
Eggs
Custard
Chocolate Icecream
Grass
Gravy
Spaghetti Sauce
Cake
Jelly
Baked beans

Thanks Unilver for the additional information and promptly letting us know.

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Healtheries #snackosphere After School

October 23, 2014 By: mamagrace715 Comments

***This post is the second of a 3 part #snackosphere blog challenge series for Kidspot Voices of 2014 and Healtheries. You can read the first post here ***

While the weather here in Sydney has been all sorts lately, when it’s been awesome, it’s been UBER awesome.

Despite this, I like to make sure the daycare pick ups are quick and snappy. It’s an easy 2 minute drive there and by the end of the day, I just want to get it over and done with.

However, to make most of daylights savings, Mr Surfer, has been keen to take a leisurely walk to the daycare and walk the boys back home. It’s slowly becoming a special Friday afternoon family affair.

I was of course dubious at first because hello, witching hour.

Asking the boys to walk an extra half hour home (including a little hill) after a full on day at daycare at the week’s end…who isn’t asking for crazy tantrums?

But Mr Surfer comes home in time to make the scenic 15 minute walk with me and we bring along an ample supply of anti-tantrum rations – apples, fruit rolls and their favourite, chips.

Lately, we’ve been replacing the chips with Healtheries snacks and for after school, we tried the Potato Curls (Chicken flavour).

Initially, I wasn’t sure if the single serve packets would satisfy the twinions’ ravenous after school appetites.

At the same time, I was worried if it would ruin dinner. (Oh my, when did I turn into my mother???)

It’s a good thing the Potato Curls (just released last month in Coles supermarkets) have 70% less fat than regular chips because they’ve become a big hit.

There’s also less than 2% saturated fat as well as wheat and gluten free. As I mentioned in my last post, K-Bear is still isn’t in the clear from his peanut allergy so it’s nice to see that all Healtheries snacks are peanut free.

One little bug bear is its sodium content, being slightly higher (593 mgs per 100gms) compared to regular potato chips (479mgs per 100gms).

It’s all about portion control.

Each Potato Curl packet (at 12 gms) contains 129 mg of sodium while an average serving of chips (roughly 15 chips or 27 gms) which holds 129mg of sodium.

So for us, Potato Curls are a special treat.

Which is absolutely fine because so have these walks home.

Except for that time we got locked out. But that’s another story…

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Toilet Training Twins is Impossible {And Dettol Giveaway}

September 18, 2014 By: mamagrace7127 Comments

This is a sponsored post.

Despite what the books and the parenting seminars tell you, there is no method to the madness of toilet training twins.

Smug parents (you know the ones) who would gloat about how their not even three yet toddler transitioned to nappy free in a few short days just made me more frustrated about our situation. Then, I wanted to punch them in the face.

“Just because there’s two of them, your situation shouldn’t be any harder, right?”

Another imaginary punch. This time in the throat.

There is no such thing as toilet training twins. Why? Because you toilet train individuals.

What works for one, does not work for the other.

We were keen to try out all the tips that books tell you about encouraging the process.

We jived our way through the “Look who did a poo-poo in the potty!!!” dance, slapped high five slaps all around and offered rewards when those colourful stickers filled the charts.

Yet, amongst all the commotion and excitement around the toilet bowl, there was one twin who would sadly be left in dismay and confusion.

Being toilet trained is a huge milestone, as every parent knows. It is a time to celebrate another step of independence for a little person. Most importantly, it’s an extremely personal milestone.

The logistics of where to put the potty and methods of encouragement may not differ from training each child but the emotional dynamics can vary significantly. The danger of comparison is never far away.

Toilet Training Twins is Impossible

When we worked out that what the books told us wasn’t working, we took a step back and took a little break for our boy.

While one was now happily going to the toilet without any problem, we kept our excitement at a minimum and he didn’t seem to mind that one bit.

As the weeks past, we really had to make a conscious effort to stop worrying and more importantly comparing our toilet adverse twin.

Instead, we focused on reassuring him that there was no hurry. Whenever he was ready, we would be too.

Of course, the moment that mindset kicks in, everything falls into place and within days, our little boy joined his twin brother.

Dettol is a well-known and trusted brand in Australian homes and undoubtedly an integral part for many a toilet training triumph…as well as disaster.

Now that the days of training are far behind us but with two constant grubby boys, hand hygiene is a big affair in our house. Using Dettol’s Revitalise Antibacterial Hand Wash with Raspberry and Pomegranate keeps the germs at bay but also leaves behind a refreshing fragrant on your hands. It’s one thing to maintain a high level of cleanliness – it’s another to smell like a hospital.

We’re also very lucky that our daycare also enforces the importance of using hand sanitiser after doing their little business.

The journey of toilet training is just as big of a learning curve for parents as what it is for the child. In the race to try and get them nappy free and independent, it’s important to stop. Take things slow and focus on their self-confidence and emotional awareness.

For one lucky reader, I have some great Dettol products to giveaway!

Dettol Revitalise Antibacterial Hand Wash with Raspberry and Pomegranate
Dettol Power and Pure Triggers
Dettol Power and Pure Wipes

All you have to do is:

Subscribe to With Some Grace by Email

Patience of a Paleontologist

September 9, 2014 By: mamagrace7122 Comments

That, I don’t have!

“I didn’t have patience…until I had children”

How often do we hear that?

Buying the twinions a fossil digging kit each, that great virtuous trait was tested yet again.

What was supposed to be a fun indoors activity to break the boredom from the rainy weather, initially brought tears and tantrums.

Then, the boys started getting upset.

Seriously though, despite the boxes marked “For ages 6 +”, it’s missing a vital disclaimer for parents to take deep breaths in preparation for the endless obligatory hammering and flying fine pieces of rock.

I started doing a couple of taps into the stubborn mould when the impatient wails started:

“Waaaahhh!!! I wanna find the paleontologist! Mama! Where’s the paleontologist???!!! It’s NOT THERE!!!”

The assertive mother in me could’ve corrected them to say that they were in fact digging for ‘fossils’. Then ironically, reasoning took over reminding me that no amount of reasoning would help calm them down. Besides, I think I was too impressed by their ability to now pick up 6 syllabic words: Pal-e-on-to-lo-gist.

There was no other choice but to just keep digging.

Keep. Digging. Damnit.

Almost two hours later we finally came across our first (synthetic) bone. Yee friggin’ ha!

Patience 2

As I tried to appease my little boys, risking repetitive strain injury due to the constant hammering, it became very clear to me that palaeontology was a very boring science, if a science at all.

There. I said it. Let the Ross Gellars of this world strike me down with the gigantic foot of a diplodocus.

You watch. While dinosaurs are extinct and have no chance of getting me, I know karma will.

One day, the boys will come home not wanting to be something cool like a rock star or a back up dancer for Selma Gomez (or whoever the cutie diva will be at that time) but instead have aspirations and dreams to dig bones.

Whoever said having patience pays off, have yet to buy a fossil finding kits for dinosaur obsessed twinions.

How has this parenting gig taught you patience? Did you have much of it pre-children? What do your children aspire to be at the moment?

Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

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My Family Lens: Breaking Away from a Best Friend

August 12, 2014 By: mamagrace7130 Comments

Those who follow me on Instagram and Facebook may have noticed a number of photos with the hashtags #myfamilylens and #voicesof2014. These photos are part of the Olympus Sponsor Challenge that I’m participating through Kidspot Voices of 2014.

The criteria is to publish 3 posts based on certain prompts, with this first one based on ‘Best Friend’

Below is also a brief section about the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and how I captured special moments with it.

**********

Striking a conversation with another mum of twins the other day, she asked me, “Which one has let go?”

Not quite understanding her question, she expanded to say, “You know, when one twin finally lets go of the bond and starts making his own friends. Usually it’s the twin that you least expect.”

This was all news to me.

“So, your twins aren’t the best of friends?”

“No. Not at all,” she shrugged.

Looking back at my pregnancy everyone – family, friends, doctors and nurses – assumed my twins would be each other’s best friend.

Just some unduly pressure for two little unborn individuals.

Isn’t it a sibling’s right to freely express whatever they feel? Indulge in a bit of rough and tumble?

Obviously, constant companionship has given them a head start. It’s a journey of life discoveries and milestones that, for whatever freaky genetic workings, they happen to be taking together.

Some actions are just down right unexplainable and it just comes down to the mystery of being twins. I call these the unspoken “twinion moments”

Why did they know how to say each other’s names before learning their own?

There’s no logic reason to the innate understanding of the other’s needs.

When one twin picks up a piece of fruit from the kitchen, no questions asked, he’ll dutifully return with an extra piece for his brother.

But how can they possibly be each other’s best friend?

All the universal ground rules – loyalty, commitment and effort – equally apply to twins.

When faced with disagreements, there’s room for both to come to a resolution.

When an apology is due, so too is the license to forgive.

When one feels pain, another’s empathy is needed.

Despite all the children they’ve met at preschool and daycare, if you ask my boys who their best friend is, their answer is undeniable.

The teachers often confirm that they rarely leave each other’s side.

But that’s for the here and now.

Whether it’s inevitable for one to break away from the other it’ll be a rite a passage, not a disappointment.
In their own sweet accord and intuition, the twinions have had these precious formative years to instill the fundamentals of true friendship with each other.

Expanding their own territory to share these traits with new friends can only be a positive.

And that’s much more than what this mum can ever hope for.

**********

About the camera:

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is the perfect tool for the new-ish photographer who wants to get more serious about their snaps.

Being a Compact System Camera (CSC), it’s half the weight and a third of the size of the smallest DSLR yet has all the professional imaging clarity.

There’s been many a ‘twinion moment’ or a breathtaking sunset that I couldn’t capture because well, who wants to carry around a bulky DSLR?

During this photo challenge, the Olympus OM-D E-M10’s has been sitting comfortably in my day bag, ready to point and shoot at a whims notice.

Photo 1:

The Olympus OM-D E-M-10 made life easier with its Scene mode and its automatic settings.

With 24 options to choose from, I didn’t have to waste my time – or a photo opportunity – fiddling with the knobs or buttons.

Using the “Beach/Snow” scene mode, the light coloured sand and bright early afternoon light didn’t carry too much exposure. Yet, the mode was also able to pick up the fine detail of sand grains.

Photo 2:

With its built-in Wi-Fi functionality, I was able to transfer images straight from the camera to my iPhone4S using the Olympus Share application.

Once on the camera roll, I could share my photos to Instagram or like this photo, add some text using the Little Moments app first before posting it.

Photo 3:

With 13 Art modes as well as extra filters and frames to choose from, a novice photographer like me has the chance to get creative and a little artsy.

For this photo, I switched the camera to the Pop Art mode.

Then, using the built-in Wi-Fi function, I imported the photo via the Olympus Share application where edited the photo again by adding the Diamora filter. Finally, the Olympus Share application allowed me to add some text.

Photo 4:

The Photo Story Collage creator let me take multiple photos at a time. Using the “Speed” theme, I was able to capture some fast paced muddy action!

Photo 5:

Simply using the Auto mode, I let the camera work its magic with colour and clarity.

Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

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Breastfeeding Twins

June 2, 2014 By: mamagrace7113 Comments

***This post is written in partnership with Medela. All opinions are my own. All feeding breasts mentioned are mine too***

“Here. Put mouth here.”

Like attaching an electrical cable to a socket feed, the midwife shoved my nipple to my 2 day old boy’s tiny lips.

This was our first attempt and I’ll never forget it.

Whilst feeling excited, intimidated and vulnerable are also emotions that spring to mind.

Popping out my gonzolas for the first time in the NICU ward totally freaked me out. Suddenly, I turned into an absolute prude. But as it happened, a boob fest in that little part of the hospital was the norm rather than the exception. Nothing was too precious to hide or be prudish about.

Then, just as me and K-Bear had some brief boobie feeding success, the scary realisation hit me: I was going to have to do this all over again…but with two on my tits.

Okay.

Now, looking back, breastfeeding twins is really like riding a bike.

Actually, it’s not at all.

But persistence is something necessary for riding two wheels or feeding two babies.

I remember when that big blue twin breast pillow made its debut that on my lap, welcoming my two tiny babies.

The cold hands of midwives again handling my (no longer) precious puppies encouraging the feeding procedure to begin.

After a few attempts, they both latched then finally they started to suck. For a split second we were in sync – all three of us.

We made a perfect little triangle.

In those early days, finding that harmony, that rhythm, would only be a brief magical moment but it would be a start. With each feed, we made further steps in progress.

When I look back on those sleepless nights and endless days, I truly wonder how I breastfed twins. Especially on the many occasions when I was on my own.

But I did.

Even through the excruciating pain of nipple thrush, a quiet force of determination told me to keep going.

I had every opportunity to quit but I liked that special triangle my babies and I had created. It was intoxicating, initmate, irreplaceable.

My mother-in-law would often come over with a helping hand during those new born baby days.

She would take the responsibility of bringing each baby over to me, placing one at each of my side (now HER hands were icy cold!). She would hover over my shoulder, lovingly look at her grandchildren like any other doting grandmother. I thought nothing of it.

Then, one morning, in the midst of her usual task, she gave me an unusually solemn look.

Thinking perhaps something had upset my mother-in-law, instead she said,

“This. These moments of you feeding the boys. I will always cherish them”

If there is any similarity of bike riding to breast feeding it would be this:

The perseverance to find your momentum; to listen and work with your intuition; that the more you do these things, the more confident you’ll become.

Most of all, enjoy the journey because it’s one of those fleeting times in life that only happens once.

For one lucky mum to be or breastfeeding mum or anyone who knows one, I have a Medela $50 voucher to giveaway!

All you have to do is:

Subscribe to With Some Grace by Email

Leave a comment on this post telling me:

“What’s one piece of advice you would offer to a new mum about feeding?”

Medela provides real solutions for breastfeeding mothers to get over any hurdles in the early days and to support their long term breastfeeding goals. Through its extensive range of breast pump products and other breastfeeding products, Medela is committed to promoting the benefits of breast milk and encouraging long term breastfeeding.

For more information visit: www.medela.com.au or www.facebook.com/medela.au

Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway is open to Australian residents only.
Closing date for entries is 10pm AEST Monday, 16th of June.
 The winner will be contacted via email on the following Tuesday.
If the winner does not reply to my email within 24 hours, another winner will be chosen.
 Entries will be judged on merit and decision of the winner will be final.

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3 Steps in School Readiness for Twins

May 29, 2014 By: mamagrace719 Comments

***This post was written in partnership with ASG***

There are some days when I really am flying by on the seat of my pants in this parenting gig.

Sometimes my mistakes are as transparent as the crystal waters of Bondi Beach, especially when my child in all of his 4 years of wisdom shrieks: “Be patient, Mama! Be paaaatient!”

Oops.

One thing I’m determined to get (as close to) right is school readiness.

I used to compare the twinions to others with a fine tooth comb of paranoia.

Now, I’ve realize that can be futile when considering each child is different in growth and development, there are also variables to consider, particularly when it comes to twins and multiples.

Who knows you best than your twin? Who can you speak your own quirky language with, not only have them completely understand what you just said but respond in same level of quirkiness?

Why make friends when you have a constant who knows what games you like to play (and when), who’s your favourite engine and dinosaur.

Of course this is a rare blessing in many aspects.

Yet, there’s this maternal hankering to intervene; to see whether I need to encourage them to play with others.

Here are 3 steps in school readiness for twins we use that will hopefully get the boys excited about big school and new friends but to safely know that their brother is right there. Just no longer right in their face.

Eating lunch separately at pre-school:

I’m very grateful for the teachers implementing this one. The twinions weren’t eating their lunches as they were distracting each other. Like home, like pre-school.

As a solution, the teacher, simply placed each of their lunch boxes at separate tables and voila! Lunch is (mostly) eaten, quietly and without fuss. Win!

Communicate with the “big school”:

We made some phone calls late last year to our local primary school and asked them briefly about the number of their kindergarten classes and if they were up for some sprightly twins due to enroll soon (Heh!).

Most importantly, we’re comfortable knowing that the teachers will be open to discuss what’s best for the twinions – to separate them or not.

A recent parent information night organized by the local council with all the local schools also participating was also helpful.

It was another opportunity to stalk…er, speak with our primary school and find out from the principal when Open Day was happening.

Dang, that lady gonna be sick of us come January, 2015.

Ask them about their friends:

There’s one twin that tends to be a little more introverted than the other and a little too comfortable with his brother’s constant presence.

But I know he’s capable of making other friends, particularly with older girls (ahems).

Just to gently spark his interest, in the morning, as we wake up and enjoy some snuggle time, I’ll ask him: “Who did you play with yesterday? Who will you play with today? Who’s your friend?”

I’m slowly learning the names of the other kids in their class so that’s helping putting my questions into context.

We all know that extracting any information about school is as painful as plucking stubborn eyebrow hairs but we persevere, yes?

Herding the boys into the car after preschool the other day, a little girl who was about to hop into her own car parked on the other side of the road yelled out, “Bye Nunu! Bye K-Bear!”

The twinions had already climbed in by this point and missed her completely.

But me being the overzealous mum – thrilled with the prospect of a new friend from class – yelled back (a little too excitedly) to her.

“Bye! Bye! Sorry, what was your name again???!!”

It was too late. She had whizzed off.

But it didn’t matter. I drove home stupidly happy, my heart filled with hope.

My boys are gonna nail big school. I just know it.

Do/did you have any concerns with your preschooler and school readiness?

Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) is a not-for-profit organisation and specialist education benefits provider. ASG has supported over 509,000 children and their families to offset the cost of education. But now ASG is moving towards offering more than just education funds. They’re creating an ever-expanding suite of resources, online tools and guides – like the ‘Motivating children to learn’ e-guide – to support parents and nurture children in their educational journey so they can reach their full potential. Visit www.asg.com.au to discover member benefits or call 1800 648 945.

More articles regarding education issues, development, family members and parenting available on www.asg.com.au/resources

ASG is also offering a week-long, luxury family excursion. It’s FREE to enter. Click here to find out how you can enter for your chance to win!

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Syncronised Sleeping {Special Beds Online Discount Offer}

February 27, 2014 By: mamagrace7112 Comments

***This is a sponsored post for Beds Online. However, all opinions are my own***

Once upon a time, identical twin boys were born to excited, brand spanking new parents who didn’t have the slightest inkling of what they were getting themselves into.

After spending their first 2 weeks in NICU, sleeping peacefully in the one cot, side by side, tucked in each other’s nook, the natural transition was to have the same arrangement at home.

As with most new families though, figuring out how to ensure peaceful slumber for both children and parents can be tricky.

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At Chez Mama Grace, it was the beginning of syncronised sleeping; twins sleeping the same way at the same time without, of course, realizing it.

For the next six months, they cherished every moment witnessing their twinlets in a pod keeping each other warm and in perfect company.

Alas, as nature commands, the babies grew and continued to thrive. Cries of hunger and flailing arms escaping from swaddles, whacking each other in the face meant no one was getting any decent shut-eye.

Realising that they were going through bittersweet parenting process of watching their newborns move to the next phase of becoming toddlers, mum and dad reluctantly built the second cot.

All those blissful months of perfect sleeping patterns, soon crept out the door. In its place were restless nights.

Exhaustion and sleep deprivation became semi-permanent guests in the household with bleary-eyed mum and dad constantly trying to settle 2 screaming banshees.

Controlled crying left them guilt-ridden and even more fatigued.

Hours spent with arms reaching through the rails, simultaneously patting each of their backs also proved to be futile.

Sleep. Sleeeeeep. Go to sleeeeeeeep!!!

But what seemed like long, endless nights…and days, the years soon whizzed by.

Before long, the search began for proper beds!

As it worked out, the twinions now lie side by side.

Of course, the synchronised sleeping continues.

Syncronised Sleeping 3

What are the sleeping “hurdles” with your kids?

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Just use the discount code: 10OFF

You’re welcome!

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